Italy eased open the drawer to the bedside table and slipped the book he had stolen earlier that week back inside. It was adorable that Germany still needed these sorts of self guidance books in order to determine what he needed to do in social situations. He almost felt bad for stealing this one that was so cutely titled to promise to bring you closer with your loved one and it was fairly obvious once he had started reading it why Germany had been acting so strange lately. So the macho German had wanted to prove himself an adept boyfriend? The brunette's lips twisted into a smirk. He couldn't think of anything more perfect.

Once his pilfered item was returned, he easily turned on his heel, strode back out the room and down the hall. Germany had invited him to dinner (something that made him grin from ear to ear after having read the book) and he had agreed wholeheartedly. It was a relatively easy feat to find Germany within his own house tonight, as he was in his sitting room with Hungary fussing over his nice suit despite it already looking impeccable. She had arrived earlier promising to watch the German's brother toting along a bag of clothing to replace what Romano had dressed the albino in earlier and her own knowing smile about the events of the evening.

Italy leaned against the door frame of the room and watched the scene with a smile. Germany looking more and more flustered with Hungary's pep talk and Prussia watching with earnest curiosity at the event. Letting the awkward situation continue for another minute or two while before interrupting them he coughed, getting three heads turning in his direction.

"Italy!" Hungary greeted him with a wide smile, stepping clear of the blonde after a quick glance to him. "It is nice to see you again."

Italy smirked as he sashayed across the floor towards his embarrassed date. Germany had promised dinner at a classy restaurant that evening and Italy was incredibly pleased with the turn of events. He already had the perfect evening planned out in his head. They would go to dinner; the brunette would seduce his handsome German before taking him home and for some 'dessert'.

This plan still in mind, the brunette stepped lightly up to Germany and pecked him on the lips in greeting. "Ciao," he breathed, mouth lingering close to Germany's and he grinned as he saw the tell-tale blush creep across the blonde's cheeks once he stepped away.

Hungary stifled a giggle while Prussia simply tilted his head to the side. Germany muttered his reply back before stiffly offering his arm to begin the evening. Italy happily looped his arm, smile never changing as the blonde attempted to walk normally out of his own house. Now the caretaker of the German residence, Hungary wished them a nice evening and promised to make sure Prussia stuck to his curfew.

The night was overcast, though not entirely unpleasant as they made their way to the restaurant in the nearby city. Germany remained silent through most of it and Italy wasn't entirely uncomfortable with it. He couldn't wait to see what chapter of the book the blonde may have been on. Perhaps it was the gift giving chapter. He had liked the look of that one.

Upon arrival they were seated by a cheerful looking waiter who left shortly with their wine order (courtesy of Italy's knowledge on the subject) and began looking over the menu thoughtfully. Italy quickly made his decision, dropping his menu and placing his head on his hands to watch the other looking far more nervous than should be required to for choosing an entrée item.

"Germany," Italy began, a tell-tale smile already in place by the time the blonde had looked up, "What made you decide to come to this restaurant this evening?"

The German nation blushed and attempted to hide behind his menu. "Hungary helped me plan it."

'Figures...' "Awe, that was nice of her." Italy cooed, waiting for Germany's eyes to appear above the menu and look at him, "I will have to remember to thank her later."

Germany grunted in reply, feeling relief as the waiter returned to take their orders and take them to the kitchen. He took a long slow deep breath and met Italy's fuchsia gaze. 'Just relax...' he reminded himself as they awaited their food, 'Remember everything Romano said to talk about...'

Surprisingly, the date progressed well once the initial awkwardness was overcome. Italy mostly led the conversation and once the meals were set down, Germany had settled to almost being relaxed. The food was delicious, the atmosphere pleasant, and it remained just the two of them the entire night.

The plates were nearly clean before Germany launched into his memorised speech. "Italy," he began as he had rehearsed, setting aside his fork and focusing on the table between them, "The time we have spent together has been some of the most interesting and unusual years of my life. I find you eventful and surprising and I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you on a more intimate level."

Italy blinked at the sudden confession, though set his fork aside soon after with a smile on his face. He was definitely going to be getting dessert tonight. "Grazie, Germany-."

Germany held up a hand signally he hadn't yet finished and then continued. "Many things have changed recently, especially with Russia's sudden withdrawal and our overtaking his supplies for our efforts, but I wanted to still remember my only friend who has been by my side through all of this."

"Oh Germany, I may blush from all of this flattery!" Italy laughed while Germany slid from his chair to kneel beside the table. The brunette's face slid from one of amusement to shock and he could see people turning and staring as the scene unfolded. "Germany!" he hissed and was subsequently ignored, "What are you doing?!"

Germany didn't look up; his face a bright shade of red as he shakily pulled something from his pocket. "Even when this war ends, I do not want what we have to end." His fingers clumsily opened the small box to reveal the dazzling ring that had a few of the women close enough to see it gasp.

"Italy," Germany swallowed thickly, "I love you."

AN: AHHH! I'm sorry for being so rubbish at getting the updates out on time lately! T-T Luckily, I've finished the major stuff for a bit and will hopefully have some extra time to get myself (and this story) caught up and back on track.